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Lauren82
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 4580 total posts
Name:
L
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Disneyland
We're thinking our next Disney vacation will be Disneyland. How long do you feel you need for each park? Also, are the hotels like the moderates at Disney world? We're trying to decide whether to use Marriott points or to stay at a Disney hotel. We want to pair this with a visit to San Diego, so we'll be staying there, heading over to Anaheim and then back to San Diego.
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Posted 2/20/17 3:21 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
JessInCA
live laugh love
Member since 8/06 5082 total posts
Name:
Jess
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Re: Disneyland
We've been a few times since we live in southern California now. How long for each park depends on how crowded it is when you visit and how fast-moving your group is. It's not as big as Disney World, so I think you could do one day in each and see most things you wanted to. If you really don't want to miss anything, maybe go with 3-day park hopper tickets.
There are only 3 Disney hotels. The Grand Californian is a luxury hotel, the Disneyland hotel is expensive but not like the GC, and Paradise Pier is their moderate option. They are all walking distance from Downtown Disney and the park entrances, but GC is closest, followed by DH and PP in that order. We've only ever stayed at Paradise Pier, and it basically feels like a standard hotel, but you get the extra magic hour at the parks in the mornings, and they have an on site character breakfast if you were looking for that, plus the benefit of the Disney customer service and attention to detail. For us, that made it worth it to stay there instead of somewhere off-property.
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| Posted 2/22/17 6:29 PM |
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Lauren82
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 4580 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Disneyland
Posted by JessInCA
We've been a few times since we live in southern California now. How long for each park depends on how crowded it is when you visit and how fast-moving your group is. It's not as big as Disney World, so I think you could do one day in each and see most things you wanted to. If you really don't want to miss anything, maybe go with 3-day park hopper tickets.
There are only 3 Disney hotels. The Grand Californian is a luxury hotel, the Disneyland hotel is expensive but not like the GC, and Paradise Pier is their moderate option. They are all walking distance from Downtown Disney and the park entrances, but GC is closest, followed by DH and PP in that order. We've only ever stayed at Paradise Pier, and it basically feels like a standard hotel, but you get the extra magic hour at the parks in the mornings, and they have an on site character breakfast if you were looking for that, plus the benefit of the Disney customer service and attention to detail. For us, that made it worth it to stay there instead of somewhere off-property.
Thanks! We're really excited to start planning DisneyLand!
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| Posted 2/22/17 6:59 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Disneyland
This is on our list too because I really want to go to California and I won't do Disney World so Disneyland seems like a good compromise
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| Posted 2/22/17 7:40 PM |
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MrsS2005
Mom of 3
Member since 11/05 13118 total posts
Name:
B
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Re: Disneyland
We went at the end of June. There are a lot of hotels within a pretty short walking or driving distance so we stayed off property. We spent 2 days at the main park (probably would've been fine with 1 day) and 1 day at the CA Adventure Park. The parks are much less spread out so it isn't too bad walking around. It was nowhere near as crowded as DW and the lines were very manageable with the exception of a few rides which we used fast passes for.
We spent the rest of our 10 day trip in the San Diego area. There are a lot of family friendly attractions in the area and my kids had a great time.
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| Posted 2/22/17 9:00 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Disneyland
Check out the Courtyard Anaheim Theme park hotel. Very close and has a water park. Each room has bunk beds and 2 baths.
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| Posted 2/23/17 5:44 PM |
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Lauren82
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 4580 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Disneyland
Posted by BargainMama
Check out the Courtyard Anaheim Theme park hotel. Very close and has a water park. Each room has bunk beds and 2 baths.
We saw this hotel and it looks great! Trying to decide if it's worth the points or if we should just stay on premises.
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| Posted 2/23/17 7:20 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disneyland
Posted by Lauren82
Posted by BargainMama
Check out the Courtyard Anaheim Theme park hotel. Very close and has a water park. Each room has bunk beds and 2 baths.
We saw this hotel and it looks great! Trying to decide if it's worth the points or if we should just stay on premises.
I say it's worth the points. Their on site hotels are $$$$ and not much closer to the action! I priced out the Disneyland Hotel last Summer and it was Like $600 a night with very little perks like you get at wdw
Also keep in mind when booking on points the fifth night is free
Message edited 2/23/2017 7:39:06 PM.
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| Posted 2/23/17 7:38 PM |
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Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy
Member since 3/08 10420 total posts
Name:
Momx100
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Re: Disneyland
Posted by Lauren82
Posted by BargainMama
Check out the Courtyard Anaheim Theme park hotel. Very close and has a water park. Each room has bunk beds and 2 baths.
We saw this hotel and it looks great! Trying to decide if it's worth the points or if we should just stay on premises.
We are also looking to do SD/Disneyland this summer and have the exact same dilemma. We can stay at the Sheraton Anaheim for free using Starwood points or stay on site at Disney's Grand Californian for $600 or Disneyland Hotel for $500. I'm not sure if the early magic hour is worth it. The Sheraton looks to be walking distance to the parks.
It doesn't look like there are any FP perks for staying on site so the only perk is the 1 hour of early magic hour.
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| Posted 2/24/17 3:16 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Disneyland
Yeah I didn't think the extra hour perk was that great! Their cheapest hotel (Paradise Pier), doesn't look very nice to me.
I'm having a hard time finding inexpensive airfare for the Summer though. Everything is $500 plus, which is insane to me!
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| Posted 2/24/17 4:03 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disneyland
Posted by MrsS2005
We went at the end of June. There are a lot of hotels within a pretty short walking or driving distance so we stayed off property. We spent 2 days at the main park (probably would've been fine with 1 day) and 1 day at the CA Adventure Park. The parks are much less spread out so it isn't too bad walking around. It was nowhere near as crowded as DW and the lines were very manageable with the exception of a few rides which we used fast passes for.
We spent the rest of our 10 day trip in the San Diego area. There are a lot of family friendly attractions in the area and my kids had a great time.
Where did you stay offsite? If it was within walking distance, approximately how long did it take you to walk to the park entrance?
I booked our airfare, but the Courtyard is $$$$ for our time frame (end of June/early july). So now we have the newish Springhill Suites reserved on Harbor blvd, but I'm still browsing.
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| Posted 3/31/17 10:46 AM |
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MrsS2005
Mom of 3
Member since 11/05 13118 total posts
Name:
B
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Re: Disneyland
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by MrsS2005
We went at the end of June. There are a lot of hotels within a pretty short walking or driving distance so we stayed off property. We spent 2 days at the main park (probably would've been fine with 1 day) and 1 day at the CA Adventure Park. The parks are much less spread out so it isn't too bad walking around. It was nowhere near as crowded as DW and the lines were very manageable with the exception of a few rides which we used fast passes for.
We spent the rest of our 10 day trip in the San Diego area. There are a lot of family friendly attractions in the area and my kids had a great time.
Where did you stay offsite? If it was within walking distance, approximately how long did it take you to walk to the park entrance?
I booked our airfare, but the Courtyard is $$$$ for our time frame (end of June/early july). So now we have the newish Springhill Suites reserved on Harbor blvd, but I'm still browsing.
We stayed at Ramada Maingate North. We walked it one of the days, but it was a trek so we ended up driving there on the other days. We were basically looking for a reasonably priced place to just sleep so it was fine. We tried to book another hotel that was a bit closer, but it was booked up by the time we tried to make a reservation. There are a ton of hotels within walking distance, but the closest are generally more expensive. It's not terrible to park there if you don't want to walk.
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| Posted 3/31/17 1:56 PM |
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nycgirl
Angels!
Member since 3/09 7721 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disneyland
We will be visiting for one day during our Cali vacation this Spring. We are staying less than an hour away... we don't generally stay on site even in Florida (prefer to spend the extra $ on food and luxury resort). Will let you know how it goes... but we are very laid back.
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| Posted 3/31/17 4:50 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disneyland
Posted by MrsS2005
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by MrsS2005
We went at the end of June. There are a lot of hotels within a pretty short walking or driving distance so we stayed off property. We spent 2 days at the main park (probably would've been fine with 1 day) and 1 day at the CA Adventure Park. The parks are much less spread out so it isn't too bad walking around. It was nowhere near as crowded as DW and the lines were very manageable with the exception of a few rides which we used fast passes for.
We spent the rest of our 10 day trip in the San Diego area. There are a lot of family friendly attractions in the area and my kids had a great time.
Where did you stay offsite? If it was within walking distance, approximately how long did it take you to walk to the park entrance?
I booked our airfare, but the Courtyard is $$$$ for our time frame (end of June/early july). So now we have the newish Springhill Suites reserved on Harbor blvd, but I'm still browsing.
We stayed at Ramada Maingate North. We walked it one of the days, but it was a trek so we ended up driving there on the other days. We were basically looking for a reasonably priced place to just sleep so it was fine. We tried to book another hotel that was a bit closer, but it was booked up by the time we tried to make a reservation. There are a ton of hotels within walking distance, but the closest are generally more expensive. It's not terrible to park there if you don't want to walk.
I don't mind paying a higher price to be closer, the one I booked is around $200, and we'll use some points, but the waterpark one that was even closer was over $300 which is a lot for what it is. The map says about 10 minutes to the gate..walking it, so I think we'll be okay with that. I'd rather not drive, deal with parking, the tram, etc.
Message edited 3/31/2017 7:14:34 PM.
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| Posted 3/31/17 7:13 PM |
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nycgirl
Angels!
Member since 3/09 7721 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disneyland
Posted by nycgirl
We will be visiting for one day during our Cali vacation this Spring. We are staying less than an hour away... we don't generally stay on site even in Florida (prefer to spend the extra $ on food and luxury resort). Will let you know how it goes... but we are very laid back.
Ok... update....
I'd do 2 days for Disneyland: we did a lot in one (including Jedi training... got lucky because we got to the park at 10am, parades, fireworks, character meets... Minnie was a highlight, and a bunch of rides... 9 taking turns with a baby) but 2 days would be better & more relaxed. Did not go to California adventure. We stayed off site... but honestly, it was so easy I would do it again and stay at whichever hotel you prefer. We stayed 45 minutes off site. This was during Spring break. It was actually a lot less crowded than Disneyworld and the weather was amazing. People were super nice (must be a Cali thing).
Downtown Disney is right outside the park, so we walked out for an early dinner and that was awesome! Also good to get drinks.
In San Diego, be SURE you go to Las Jollas cove. It was so amazing to see the sea lions up close and natural!
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| Posted 4/13/17 11:31 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disneyland
Posted by nycgirl
Posted by nycgirl
We will be visiting for one day during our Cali vacation this Spring. We are staying less than an hour away... we don't generally stay on site even in Florida (prefer to spend the extra $ on food and luxury resort). Will let you know how it goes... but we are very laid back.
Ok... update....
I'd do 2 days for Disneyland: we did a lot in one (including Jedi training... got lucky because we got to the park at 10am, parades, fireworks, character meets... Minnie was a highlight, and a bunch of rides... 9 taking turns with a baby) but 2 days would be better & more relaxed. Did not go to California adventure. We stayed off site... but honestly, it was so easy I would do it again and stay at whichever hotel you prefer. We stayed 45 minutes off site. This was during Spring break. It was actually a lot less crowded than Disneyworld and the weather was amazing. People were super nice (must be a Cali thing).
Downtown Disney is right outside the park, so we walked out for an early dinner and that was awesome! Also good to get drinks.
In San Diego, be SURE you go to Las Jollas cove. It was so amazing to see the sea lions up close and natural!
I just saw a review of La Jolla on the Disneyland Daily FB page, looks gorgeous
did you rent a car there? Was the traffic horrendous? I've read that LA traffic is the pits, but I said to myself...it can't be much worse than the LIE and NYC!
Message edited 4/14/2017 8:52:43 AM.
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| Posted 4/14/17 8:47 AM |
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nycgirl
Angels!
Member since 3/09 7721 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disneyland
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by nycgirl
Posted by nycgirl
We will be visiting for one day during our Cali vacation this Spring. We are staying less than an hour away... we don't generally stay on site even in Florida (prefer to spend the extra $ on food and luxury resort). Will let you know how it goes... but we are very laid back.
Ok... update....
I'd do 2 days for Disneyland: we did a lot in one (including Jedi training... got lucky because we got to the park at 10am, parades, fireworks, character meets... Minnie was a highlight, and a bunch of rides... 9 taking turns with a baby) but 2 days would be better & more relaxed. Did not go to California adventure. We stayed off site... but honestly, it was so easy I would do it again and stay at whichever hotel you prefer. We stayed 45 minutes off site. This was during Spring break. It was actually a lot less crowded than Disneyworld and the weather was amazing. People were super nice (must be a Cali thing).
Downtown Disney is right outside the park, so we walked out for an early dinner and that was awesome! Also good to get drinks.
In San Diego, be SURE you go to Las Jollas cove. It was so amazing to see the sea lions up close and natural!
I just saw a review of La Jolla on the Disneyland Daily FB page, looks gorgeous
did you rent a car there? Was the traffic horrendous? I've read that LA traffic is the pits, but I said to myself...it can't be much worse than the LIE and NYC!
We did rent a car... but we spent most of the time out of LA. Traffic is bad... but I think similar to LIE. We personally like to stay in really nice hotels outside of Disney (get luxury for the cost)... so it necessitates a car.
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| Posted 4/14/17 8:31 PM |
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Travel Kerri
LIFamilies Business
Member since 5/13 258 total posts
Name:
Kerri
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Re: Disneyland
I LOVE Disneyland and the Disneyland resorts. With that said, it is not like Walt Disney World and the Good Neighbor Hotels are a great option for Disneyland. Some of the hotels are literally across the street.
The Disney owned resorts have the best pools in the area if that is important to you.
Depending on the time of year 2-3 days is "enough" for Disneyland/Disney's California Adventure even though I always do a full week and just adventure out from there.
If you decide not to use your Marriott points it would be my pleasure to help you plan a magical Southern California Adventure.
Kerri
Facebook.com/TravelKerri
[email protected]
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| Posted 4/17/17 4:41 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disneyland
I just bought our DL tickets last night on the l@stminute Club site (not sure why it stars it out when I post the name, replace the @ with an a lol)....and saved about $100 off gate prices for 3 tickets. Worth checking out if you haven't bought tickets yet! They include extra magic morning on one day, and are bar coded tickets that you just take to the turnstiles. LMT charges to join, but you can use code TRIVAGO1 for a free membership. Then click on activities, put your dates in, and search Anaheim.
Message edited 4/25/2017 8:59:38 AM.
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| Posted 4/25/17 8:59 AM |
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